Michigan’s Air National Guard 127th Wing, flying A-10’s has been deployed to Fight ISIS in Operation Inherent Resolve.
Rep. Candice Miller says deployment of A-10s to Middle East is testament to the effectiveness of the aircraft. She pledges to continue fight against efforts to divest the fleet along with Arizona Rep. Martha McSally, New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte and the rest of the legislature.
U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, issued statement, calling the deployment “a true testament to the vital role our National Guard plays in national defense and to the effectiveness of the A-10 ‘Warthog’ in combat, which is why I will continue to fight for the aircraft and stop shortsighted efforts to divest the fleet.”
“The brave airmen and women who serve in the 127th Wing have always answered the call to serve and defend this country and fight for the liberties and freedoms we hold dear. For their continued service to this nation and to their families, who share in the sacrifice, we are forever grateful, and we pray for their success and safety as they embark on this new mission,” concluded Miller.
Just last week, Rep. Martha McSally took on the USAF in defense of the A-10 and Close Air Support (CAS). During a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing, McSally forced top Department of Defense officials to concede that the F-35 would not be as survivable as the A-10 in certain CAS scenarios.
The testimony conflicts with previous Air Force claims about the A-10’s survivability compared to other aircraft and exposes a gap in capabilities should the Administration mothball the A-10 without a replacement.
“As a former A-10 pilot and squadron commander, there are times, and there will still be times in the future, where you must get down and dirty with the guys on the ground who are often on the run, unable to give you their coordinates,” said Rep. McSally in response to the testimony. “And you have to visually be able to see, where are the good guys and the bad guys. You cannot stand off in all CAS scenarios even in the future, and that’s a concern I have with the limited capabilities in replacing the A-10.”
Related articles:
Meger scrubbed A-10, CAS gap for “brevity”
McSally steps up for A-10, James, Welsh scramble for answers
DM Commander implicated in Operation Destroy CAS
USAF A-10 plans will “create more Gold Star families”
Ayotte leads challenge to “disappointing rubber stamp” of USAF A-10 plans